Flat Tire

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Flat Tire Fire ignited at approximately 11:35 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Beaver County, Oklahoma. The fire is located specifically south of the town of Turpin, burning in and around the Beaver River bottom area.
Size and Containment: As of the most recent update on February 12, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 5,000 acres, growing significantly from an earlier reported size of 1,983 acres. Containment has reached 55% thanks to the efforts of crews and improving weather conditions.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been fueled by "exceptional fuel loading" in the Panhandle region, consisting primarily of dry short and tall grasses and heavy vegetation in the river bottom. These conditions allowed the fire to exhibit extreme behavior and rapid spread initially, driven by wind and drought-stressed fuels.
Containment Efforts: A multi-agency response is underway involving the Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS), Beaver County fire units, and assistance from neighboring counties and states, including the Texas County Fire Strike Team and crews from Seward County, Kansas. Firefighters have been constructing fire lines and mopping up hot spots.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in effect for the Flat Tire Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: Residents in the Turpin area and along the Beaver River bottom are advised to remain vigilant and monitor local alerts, though no specific formal warnings are currently active.
Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• U.S. Highway 83: Was closed on Tuesday from U.S. Highway 64 in Turpin to U.S. Highway 412 due to the fire but has since reopened.
• Drivers are cautioned to be aware of emergency vehicles and potential smoke impacting visibility in the area.

For more information, visit:

• Oklahoma Forestry Services Facebook Page (Official updates)
• Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry
• Beaver County Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reports of injuries or fatalities associated with this fire.
Structures Impacted: Unlike other recent fires in the region, no homes or major structures have been reported destroyed by the Flat Tire Fire as of February 13.
Notable Impacts: The fire has primarily affected rangeland and river bottom vegetation. Smoke from the fire has been visible across the Panhandle, potentially affecting air quality in local communities like Turpin.

Safety Concerns:
Burn Bans: High fire danger has persisted across the region, and residents should adhere to any local county burn bans in effect.
Air Quality: Smoke may settle in low-lying areas, particularly overnight. Residents with respiratory issues should limit outdoor exposure if smoke is present.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters are optimistic about increasing containment in the next 24-48 hours. The arrival of precipitation is expected to significantly aid suppression efforts.
Weather and Wind Warnings: A shift in weather patterns has brought relief to the area. Rain chances increased starting Friday, February 13, and are expected to continue into Saturday, with "solidly wetting rainfall" forecast for much of the state. This moisture will help extinguish hot spots and reduce the immediate fire danger, although the Panhandle may receive lower amounts than other parts of the state.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The specific cause of the Flat Tire Fire is listed as human-caused, with reports suggesting it may have been sparked by a vehicle issue (consistent with the name "Flat Tire Fire"), though the investigation is ongoing.
Weather and Climate: The fire's initial rapid growth was driven by ongoing drought conditions and accumulated dry fuels (grasses). The region has experienced a period of dry, windy weather typical of the late winter fire season in Oklahoma, which primed the landscape for significant wildfire activity before the recent arrival of moisture.

For more information, visit:

• Oklahoma Forestry Services
• Mesonet Fire Weather & Data
• InciWeb - Incident Information System